Archive for the ‘NJPW’ Category

NJPW ‘Road To’ Power Struggle Nagano (10/31) Full Card incl. Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

The headline grabbing matches start with the Super Jr Tag League bout. Soberano Jr and Volador Jr will be taking on Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori. Kazuchika Okada will get another chance to take on his former manager Gedo and new foil Jay White. The ‘Rainmaker’ will be teaming up with Rocky Romero for a tag team bout in Nagano on Wednesday night.

Here’s the full card for the show in Nagano Athletic Park Gymnasium on October 31st:

  • ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi vs Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji
  • Ren Narita and Shota Umino vs Shingo Takagi and BUSHI
  • Toa Henare, Tiger Mask and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger vs Ayato Yoshida, Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA
  • Chuckie T, Beretta and Hirooki Goto vs Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale
  • SHO, YOH, Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii vs El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, TAKA Michinoku and Minoru Suzuki
  • Tomoaki Honma and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Soberano Jr and Volador Jr vs Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori
  • Rocky Romero and Kazuchika Okada vs Jay White and Gedo

NJPW Releases Lineups For Lion’s Break: Project 1

New Japan Pro Wrestling has released the lineups for both nights of Lion’s Break: Project 1. The shows will take place on November 10th and 11th from Anaheim’s CharaExpo USA 2018. While several big-name NJPW stars will perform, the shows are a chance for the young lions NJPW is training in California to show what they can do.

Two of NJPW’s California-based young lions, Clark Connors and Alex Coughlin, debuted at Fighting Spirit Unleashed in a dark match. Karl Fredericks will join them as another trainee of NJPW’s American dojo to perform on the shows in November. NJPW’s American dojo young lions are trained by Katsuyori Shibata.

NJPW Lion’s Break: Project 1

November 10th:

  1. Karl Fredericks vs Alex Coughlin
  2. Rocky Romero vs Ryusuke Taguchi
  3. David Finlay & Jushin Liger vs ACH & Clark Connors
  4. Hirooki Goto vs Jeff Cobb

November 11th:

  1. ACH vs Karl Fredericks
  2. Jushin Liger vs Clark Connors
  3. Hirooki Goto & Rocky Romero vs Jeff Cobb & Ryusuke Taguchi
  4. Kenny Omega vs David Finlay

Karl Fredericks is a heavyweight from Nevada. He wrestles mainly along the south-west coast although he just lost a Loser Leaves Town match at one of his home promotions, APW, indicating he might be headed to NJPW in a more full-time capacity soon.

Carl Connors is a junior-heavyweight from the north-west coast of the United States. He wrestles a lot in Oregon, California and Washington State. Little information is available on Alex Coughlin, other than he competed in a dark match at Fighting Spirit Unleashed.

EVIL On Chris Jericho: “As A Wrestler, He’s Done”

Evil isn’t too intimidated about taking on Chris Jericho on Saturday. The LIJ member will be looking to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for the second time when he takes on Jericho at Power Struggle in Osaka.

NJPW1972.com sat down with Evil for an interview recently.

“Jericho’s undeniably a big name,” Evil said. “But he’s a big name. As a wrestler he’s done. A faded superstar is still a ‘superstar’ I guess.”

EVIL on Chris Jericho

Jericho has said that by facing him, Evil will become a star. Evil disputes this, however.

“Jericho’s going round saying ‘by facing me you’ll become famous’ ‘you’ll be a star’ ‘your career will skyrocket just by sharing a ring with me’,” Evil continued. “Ok fine. Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll take everything you’ve done, all you’ve achieved, everybody you’ve beaten and use that to make you the biggest stepping stone you can imagine. And, as I step on you, I’ll plunge you into darkness!”

Evil called out Jericho not long after Jericho took the title from Tetsuya Naito at Dominion in Osaka back in June. Jericho then jumped Evil before he was able to take on Zack Sabre Jr at King of Pro Wrestling. Saturday will be Jericho’s first attempted title defense of the belt.

The full interview can be read here.

NJPW ‘Road To’ Power Struggle Miyagi (10/29) Results

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

Here’s the full results for the show in Miyagi on October 29th:

  • Ayato Yoshida and Yuya Uemura b. Yota Tsuji and Tomoaki Honma – Yoshida took the win after hitting a Back Drop on Uemura
  • Soberano Jr, Volador Jr and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger b. Shota Umino, Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA – Soberano Jr took the win after hitting the La Soberana on Umino
  • El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. Ren Narita and Tiger Mask – Desperado took the win after hitting the Numero Dos on Narita
  • Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa b. Chuckie T, Beretta and Toru Yano – Fale took the win after hitting the Grenade on Chuckie T
  • Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii b. TAKA Michinoku and Minoru Suzuki – Goto took the win after hitting the GTR on TAKA
  • Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi b. Toa Henare and Hiroshi Tanahashi – Owens took the win after hitting the Package Driver on Henare
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Shingo Takagi and BUSHI b. ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi – Takagi took the win after hitting the Rebellion on ACH
  • Jay White, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori and Robbie Eagles b. Kazuchika Okada, Rocky Romero, SHO and YOH – White took the win after hitting the Blade Runner on Rocky Romero

NJPW ‘Road To’ Power Struggle Fukushima (10/28) Results

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

Here’s the full results for the show in Fukushima on October 28th:

  • BUSHI and Shingo Takagi b. Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji – BUSHI took the win after making Uemura tap out to the Boston Crab
  • ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi b. Ren Narita and Shota Umino – ACH took the win after hitting a German Suplex Hold on Narita
  • Toa Henare, Soberano Jr and Volador Jr b. Ayato Yoshida, Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA – Henare took the win after hitting the TOA Bottom on Yoshida
  • Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa b. Chuckie T, Beretta and Hirooki Goto – Fale took the win after hitting the Grenade on Beretta
  • Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii b. TAKA Michinoku and Minoru Suzuki – Yano took the win after pinning TAKA with a Schoolboy
  • Tomoaki Honma and Hiroshi Tanahashi b. Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi – Tanahashi took the win after hitting the High Fly Flow on Owens
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. Tiger Mask and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger – Desperado took the win after hitting the Pinche Loco on Liger
  • Jay White, Gedo, Taiji Ishimori and Robbie Eagles b. Kazuchika Okada, Rocky Romero, SHO and YOH – White took the win after hitting the Blade Runner on Rocky Romero

Title Match Announced For NJPW Power Struggle Event

A new title match has been announced for the NJPW Power Struggle event, which is their next big show. New Japan Pro Wrestling officials confirmed that Taichi will now defend the NEVER Openweight Championship against Hirooki Goto. Originally, Taichi was supposed to wrestle Will Ospreay, but Ospreay had to pull out due to injury.

Last week, it was revealed by the promotion that Ospreay wouldn’t be able to wrestle at the show after suffering a rib injury at Revolution Pro Wrestling’s Global Wars UK event on October 14. The young rising wrestling star suffered the injury when he landed badly during his match against Chris Ridgeway.

This match joins a stacked card as several big matches have already been announced. Those matches include Chris Jericho defending the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against EVIL, the Super Jr. Tag League finals, and Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre, Jr.

Power Struggle takes place on November 3rd and will air live on New Japan World. Here is the updated card:

– Rev Pro British Heavyweight Champion Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki

– NEVER Openweight Champion Taichi vs. Hirooki Goto

– Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs. EVIL

– Super Junior Tag League Finals

– Kazuchika Okada & Beretta vs. Jay White & Bad Luck Fale

– Hiroshi Tanahashi & David Finlay vs. The Golden Lovers

Don Callis Back With NJPW, Confirmed For WrestleKingdom 13

In recent weeks there have been reports that Don Callis was finished with NJPW. These reports came on the heels of Callis not being called to commentate for the King of Pro Wrestling event held earlier this month. NJPW has also been auditioning other English-language commentators at the moment. “The Genius” Lanny Poffo called the two shows from Korakuen Hall this weekend.

NJPW and Callis have announced they have struck a deal to bring Callis back to Japan for multiple major shows including WrestleKingdom 13.

“#njpw is excited to welcome back @CyrusOverHuge to the commentary desk for multiple upcoming events as well as Wrestle Kingdom 13! He’ll be riding shotgun with @realkevinkelly!”

Don Callis NJPW Commentary

Chris Jericho has said that Callis played a key role in bringing him into the promotion to face Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Jericho posted the following to Twitter recently:

“Not using @CyrusOverHuge over huge for ANY AND ALL commentary is a big mistake and just plain stupid.”

Jericho then responded to NJPW’s post about Callis working multiple upcoming events as well as Wrestle Kingdom:

It’s not yet clear if Callis and Kelly will be working the commentary booth for the upcoming Power Struggle show. The event takes place on November 3rd from Osaka.

New Japan Announce New Beginning Shows for 2019

New Japan Pro Wrestling has officially announced the New Beginning shows for the 2019. New Beginning follows the huge Wrestle Kingdom, New Year Dash and Fantasticamania tour in late January. This year’s tour featured some top bouts including Kazuchika Okada vs SANADA in Osaka. Minoru Suzuki vs Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kenny Omega versus Jay White for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship in Sapporo.

Here are the official dates for the tour:

Road to THE NEW BEGINNING

  • SAT. JANUARY. 26. 2019 | 18:00 Saitama Wing Hat Kasukabe
  • MON. JANUARY. 28. 2019 | 18:30 TOKYO Korakuen Hall
  • TUE. JANUARY. 29. 2019 | 18:30 TOKYO Korakuen Hall
  • WED. JANUARY. 30. 2019 | 18:30 Miyagi Sendai Sunplaza Hall

THE NEW BEGINNING in SAPPORO

  • SAT. FEBRUARY. 2. 2019 | 18:00 Hokkaido Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center Hokkai Kitayell
  • SUN. FEBRUARY. 3. 2019 | 15:00 Hokkaido Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center Hokkai Kitayell

Road to THE NEW BEGINNING

  • WED. FEBRUARY. 6. 2019 | 18:30 Nagano Nagano Athletic Park Gymnasium
  • THU. FEBRUARY. 7. 2019 | 18:00 Aichi Nagoya Congress Center Event Hall
  • FRI. FEBRUARY. 8. 2019 | 18:30 Mie Yokkaichi City Green Park Gymnasium #2
  • SAT. FEBRUARY. 9. 2019 | 17:00 Osaka OSAKA PREFECTURAL GYM #2 (EDION ARENA OSAKA)
  • MON. FEBRUARY. 11. 2019 | 17:00 Osaka OSAKA PREFECTURAL GYM (EDION ARENA OSAKA)

You can catch up on the recent Power Struggle results here:

NJPW ‘Road To’ Power Struggle Korakuen Hall (10/26) Results

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

Here’s the full results for the show in Korakuen Hall on October 26th:

  • Shota Umino, Yota Tsuji and Toa Henare b. Yoya Uemura, Ren Narita and Ayato Yoshida – Umino took the win after making Uemura tap out with the Boston Crab
  • Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii b. TAKA Michinoku and Minoru Suzuki – Yano took the win after rolling TAKA up with a Schoolboy
  • Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe and Hiroshi Tanahashi b. Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi and Kota Ibushi – Tanahashi took the win after hitting the High Fly Flow on Owens
  • Jay White, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Gedo b. Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto, Beretta, Chuckie T and Rocky Romero – White took the win after hitting the Blade Runner on Rocky Romero
  • First Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – KUSHIDA and Chris Sabin b. Tiger Mask and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger – KUSHIDA took the win after hitting the OUTTA TIME on Liger
  • Second Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. Soberano Jr and Volador Jr – Desperado took the win after hitting the El Es Culero on Soberano Jr
  • Third Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Shingo Takagi and BUSHI b. Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori – BUSHI hit the Rebellion on Eagles to take the win
  • Fourth Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi b. SHO and YOH – Taguchi took the win over YOH after hitting the Korakuen Suplex Hold

Betting Odds For WWE Universal Title Match At Crown Jewel

Skybet has released the early betting odds for the upcoming vacant Universal Title match between Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar at WWE Crown Jewel.

It was revealed on Monday during RAW that Roman Reigns had to relinquish the Universal Title due to his battle with leukemia. Thus, he will not able to face Brock Lesnar and Strowman in a triple threat match at this show as originally advertised.

The odds for this new match are out as Strowman is a 2/5 favorite to win the title while Lesnar is a 7/4 favorite. For those who plan on betting on this contest, a $100 bet on Braun Strowman would return around $116. On the flip side, the same bet on Lesnar would return about $170.

WWE presents the Crown Jewel pay-per-view event on November 2nd, 2018 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Saud University Stadium and will air on the WWE Network. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming days.

Updated WWE Crown Jewel Card

Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman – Vacant WWE Universal Title Match

WWE Champion AJ Styles  vs. Daniel Bryan

Triple H & Shawn Michaels vs. Kane & The Undertaker

World Cup Tournament: John Cena, Kurt Angle, Seth Rollins & Dolph Ziggler will represent RAW while Rey Mysterio, The Miz, Randy Orton & Jeff Hardy will represent SmackDown

WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar vs. The New Day

Will Ospreay Officially Pulled From Power Struggle

Unfortunately, it appears that the injury sustained by The Sky King, Will Ospreay, may be more serious than initially thought.

Ospreay was pulled from a number of events since first becoming injured at the NJPW/RPW Global War show on October 14th, including NJPW’s Road To Power Struggle tour. This was done to help Will rehab and recover for his match against Taichi on November 3rd.

According to NJPW, despite the time taken to try and heal, the treatment that Ospreay has been undertaking has “not progressed as quickly as we [NJPW] had hoped.”

Because of this, Will Ospreay will sadly have to miss the event, and will no longer be competing for the NJPW NEVER Openweight Championship at Power Struggle.

NJPW has not replaced Ospreay, however, instead simply canceling the matchup entirely against Suzuki-Gun’s Taichi.

The Sky King Stakes His Claim

Ospreay recently put himself into title consideration against Taichi, leading his CHAOS stablemates to victory against Suzuki-Gun at NJPW’s King Of Pro Wrestling event.

Ospreay pinned the current champion before cutting an impassioned promo backstage staking his claim at the title – one that Taichi was quick to dismiss.

Official Statement

The full official statement from NJPW1972.com can be read below:

“It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that Will Ospreay will miss the event in Osaka on November 3rd (Sat). As such the NEVER Openweight Championship match has been canceled.

Having become injured in the UK, Will Ospreay has been undergoing treatment. However, his treatment has not progressed as quickly as we had hoped and unfortunately, he will have to miss the event on November 3 (Saturday) in Osaka Prefectural Gym (Edion Arena Osaka).

As a result, the NEVER Openweight Championship match (Taichi vs Will Ospreay), scheduled for the same event, will be canceled.

We offer our sincerest apologies to our fans who were looking forward to this championship match. Good luck Will, we look forward to your return at upcoming events.

New Japan Pro Wrestling Co., Ltd.”

Cody Says He’s Done With Bullet Club

He was once one of the leaders of the Bullet Club, but now Cody is talking about the faction like it’s a fond memory in his rear view mirror.  In response to a fan asking who he’d like to see join the Bullet Club, Cody said the faction is “all Jay’s thing now” [Jay White] and that he loved being a part of it.

The Young Bucks, Hangman Page, and Cody have all announced their newest Bullet Club t-shirts will be their last. Cody also posted the following Tweet in reference to his team with Hangman Page being listed as Bullet Club.

These developments come just days after Cody posted a lengthy message on Instagram addressing his future. In that message, he referenced finishing up with Ring of Honor and looking forward to the next chapter of his career in pro wrestling.

Bullet Club vs The Elite

In NJPW, members of the Elite are still introduced as representing “Bullet Club Elite”. There is speculation the Elite could leave NJPW when their contracts are up (minus Marty Scurll) at the end of the year, however.

https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/1050802893488570369

Although the Young Bucks are not Bullet Club originals, they joined the faction not long after its inception. They had been a part of Bullet Club their entire NJPW careers going back to 2013.

Jay White doesn’t consider the members of Elite as Bullet Club. He had the following to say after joining the faction.

“Inevitable. One word, inevitable,” White said. “I met Bad Luck Fale in London in 2014. Since then it’s been inevitable that I would end up here with these boys. Not the BC Elite, what is that rip-off sh**? Original Bullet Club taking it back to what started it. Get used to these faces, we’re taking over!”

Neville/PAC Announces Dragon Gate Network, NJPW Confirms Wrestle Kingdom Ticket Packages

Japan’s Dragon Gate promotion has confirmed their new streaming service. Neville/PAC appeared in a short promo package hyping the new over the top service alongside his RED stablemates. Fans will be able watch live/past shows for just over $13 a month. PAC made his return to the company earlier this year after leaving WWE’s 205 Live brand.

Check out the video via the tweet below.

New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced the travel packages for Wrestle Kingdom 13. Tickets to the legendary Tokyo Dome show will be available to overseas fans via the H.I.S. system on October 25th. New Japan sent out the following press release announcing the on sale date. The New Year’s Dash show will also be part of the offering for fans travelling in to Japan for January’s festivities:

“NJPW is proud to announce that Wrestle Kingdom 13 in Tokyo Dome and the New Year’s Dash package tour will be available through H.I.S. for our fans living overseas at 10 am JST Oct 25th. All reasonably priced packages include a ticket to Wrestle Kingdom 13 in Tokyo Dome and hotel accommodations! Four limited special packages are available and further detail can be found in the following link. https://www.hisgo.com/us/campaign/njpw/

 

NJPW Super Junior Tag League Updated Standings

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Super Junior Tag League is in full swing. Their latest show in Tottori took place today and you can read full results from that show here.

There were two Super Junior Tag League bouts at today’s event and they finished as follows:

  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru b.Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori – Desperado took the win after hitting the El Es Culero on Eagles
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA b. ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi – KUSHIDA took the win after ACH tapped out to the Hoverboard Lock

There are now six ‘Road To’ shows left until Power Struggle. The two teams with the most points will meet in the finals in Osaka on November 3rd. Desperado and Kanemaru are currently the reigning Super Junior tag team champions. With that in mind the standings for the tournament are currently as follows:

  • SHO & YOH (3 wins – 1 loss) 6 points
  • Shingo Takagi & BUSHI (3 wins – 1 loss) 6 points
  • Robbie Eagles & Taiji Ishimori (2 wins – 2 losses) 4 points
  • Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV (2 wins – 2 losses) 4 points
  • KUSHIDA & Chris Sabin (2 wins – 2 losses) 4 points
  • El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru (2 wins – 2 losses) 4 points
  • ACH & Ryusuke Taguchi (1 win – 3 losses) 2 points
  • Volador Jr. & Soberano Jr. (1 win – 3 losses) 2 points

NJPW ‘Road To’ Power Struggle Tottori (10/23) Results

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

Here’s the full results for the show in Tottori Prefectural Industrial Gym on October 23rd:

  • Shingo Takagi and BUSHI b. Yuya Uemura and Ayato Yoshida – Takagi took the win after hitting the Pumping Bomber on Uemura
  • Chuckie T and Beretta (Best Friends) b. Yota Tsuji and Tomoaki Honma – Chuckie T took the win after hitting the Awful Waffle on Tsuji
  • Ren Narita, Soberano Jr and Volador Jr b. Shota Umino, Tiger Mask and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger – Soberano Jr took the win after hitting a Modified Pile Driver on Umino
  • Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii b. TAKA Michinoku and Minoru Suzuki – Ishii took the win after hitting the Vertical Brain Buster on TAKA
  • Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi b. Toa Henare and Hiroshi Tanahashi – Owens took the win after hitting the Jewel Heist on Henare
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru b.Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori – Desperado took the win after hitting the El Es Culero on Eagles
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA b. ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi – KUSHIDA took the win after ACH tapped out to the Hoverboard Lock
  • Jay White, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Gedo b. Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, Rocky Romero, SHO and YOH – White took the win after hitting the Blade Runner on Rocky Romero

Jay White Says He Has A Mole In Rival CHAOS Faction

“Switchblade” Jay White joined CHAOS at New Year’s Dash this year and turned on them at King of Pro Wrestling. Now, White is claiming there is at least one member of CHAOS secretly working for him from inside the faction.

“I’ll let you in on another thing,” White said backstage from Road to Power Struggle night 2. “I actually have someone working for me on the inside of CHAOS. Now, hold on to that thought.”

The New Zealander was long thought to be destined for Bullet Club but turned down an invitation from Kenny Omega when offered. White then defeated Omega for the IWGP United States Championship, although he would later lose it to Juice Robinson.

White would be at odds with his CHAOS stablemates all year until finally turning on them at King of Pro Wrestling. He also brought Kazuchika Okada’s longtime manager, Gedo, along with him. White has since said he didn’t want to join Bullet Club with Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks and the rest of the Elite, he wanted to side with the Tongans and the BCOGs.

According to White, there are members of CHAOS who are secretly aligned with Bullet Club. White makes the comments near the end of the following video:

Jay White vs CHAOS

Speaking to Okada, White said he has people in CHAOS secretly working for him. White’s predictions and comments have consistently come through over the last year, so it’s possible he is setting the stage for a pending angle. A member of CHAOS could be turning on Okada soon.

White will team up with Bad Luck Fale to take on Berretta and Kazuchika Okada on November 3rd at Power Struggle.

NJPW ‘Road To’ Power Struggle Tottori (10/23) Full Card incl. Super Jr Tag League 2018 Matche

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

Here’s the full card for the show in Tottori Prefectural Industrial Gym on October 23rd:

The headline grabbers for this event are the Super Jr Tag League bouts. Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori of Bullet Club will be taking on El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru. Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA will also be facing ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi on the night.

Kazuchika Okada will also be looking to avenge last night’s main event loss when he faces Jay White, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Gedo.

  • Yuya Uemura and Ayato Yoshida vs Shingo Takagi and BUSHI
  • Yota Tsuji and Tomoaki Honma vs Chuckie T and Beretta (Best Friends)
  • Shota Umino, Tiger Mask and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger vs Ren Narita, Soberano Jr and Volador Jr
  • Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii vs TAKA Michinoku and Minoru Suzuki
  • Toa Henare and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori vs El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA vs ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi
  • Jay White, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Gedo vs Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, Rocky Romero, SHO and YOH

NJPW ‘Road To’ Power Struggle Shimane (10/22) Results

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

Here’s the results from today’s show (October 22nd) from Shimane:

  • Yota Tsuji, Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA b. Yuya Uemura, ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi – Sabin took the win after hitting the Cradle Shock on Uemura
  • Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori b. Ren Narita and Toa Henare – Eagles took the win after hitting the Ron Miller Special on Narita
  • El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida – Desperado took the win after hitting the Pinche Loco on Umino
  • Rocky Romero and Tomohiro Ishii b. TAKA Michinoku and Minoru Suzuki – Ishii took the win after hitting the Vertical Brain Buster on TAKA
  • Tomoaki Honma and Hiroshi Tanahashi b. Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi – Tanahashi took the win after hitting the High Fly Flow on Owens
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Shingo Takagi and BUSHI b. Soberano Jr and Volador Jr – Takagi took the win after hitting the Last of the Dragon on Soberano Jr
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – SHO and YOH b. Tiger Mask and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger – YOH took the win after hitting the Five Star Clutch on Liger
  • Jay White, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Gedo b. Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano, Beretta and Chuckie T – White took the win after hitting the Blade Runner on Chuckie T

Championship Match Announced For NJPW Power Struggle Event

NJPW has announced a new match for the upcoming Power Struggle event, which is their next big show. New Japan Pro Wrestling officials confirmed that Minoru Suzuki will challenge Tomohiro Ishii for the Revolution Pro Wrestling British Heavyweight Championship at this event.

The match was booked once Suzuki was granted his rematch for the title after losing it to Ishii at Revolution Pro Global Wars back on October 14th. Throughout the summer, they have been feuding with each other over the title. Back in July, Suzuki won the title from him at Strong Style Evolved UK. 

This match joins a stacked card as several big matches have already been announced. Those matches include Chris Jericho defending the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against EVIL, the Super Jr. Tag League finals, and Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre, Jr.

Power Struggle takes place on November 3rd and will air live on New Japan World. Here is the updated card:

– Rev Pro British Heavyweight Champion Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki

– NEVER Openweight Champion Taichi vs. Will Ospreay

– Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs. EVIL

– Super Junior Tag League Finals

– Kazuchika Okada & Beretta vs. Jay White & Bad Luck Fale

– Hiroshi Tanahashi & David Finlay vs. The Golden Lovers

Robbie Eagles Talks Joining Bullet Club & Super Junior Tag League

Amidst the chaos surrounding Bullet Club these last few months, Robbie Eagles joined the faction as Taiji Ishimori’s partner in the Super Junior Tag League. The 28-year-old made a name for himself in Australia’s Melbourne City Wrestling and PWG before joining NJPW earlier this year.

He recently took part in an interview with NJPW1972.com and spoke about his early training.

Robbie Eagles On Early Career and Joining NJPW

“I’ve been trained in Lucha Libre, and I think with my name, you get the image of a high flier. I pride myself on my submissions though,” Eagles said. “Even early in my career people talked about me as a strategic wrestler. They called me ‘the Tactician’.”

“Choosing a body part, the head, the arm, the leg, targeting that, picking it apart. Then in the end, going completely against what my opponent is expecting to get the win. That’s my style, basically. I really felt I wanted to use that to prove myself on the world stage.”

Eagles participated in a 3-way match with Cody and Will Ospreay when NJPW visited Australia in February. Eagles talked about how important a match that was for him in his career.

“It was a big chance for me, and a big challenge. Especially the three-way, when I was in there on my own with people of the caliber of Cody and Ospreay, I really felt I had to represent Australian pro wrestling in general. I think those matches are a big reason why I’m able to compete in New Japan today.”

The full interview can be read here. 

Jim Ross Comments On The Elite Potentially Leaving ROH & NJPW

On the latest episode of The Jim Ross Report, Good Ol’ JR gave his take on the likelihood of Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks leaving the ROH and NJPW promotions in January.

Ross also discussed Impact’s Bound For Glory, Evolution, and much more.

Jim Ross On Kenny Omega And The Young Bucks

“As I said early on, the card for the Ring of Honor Madison Square Garden Show, with New Japan, will probably look entirely different then, compared to what one would assume it look like if it was booked today,” Ross said. “I think there’s gonna be a lot of movement with some of the biggest stars in the game.”

While not betraying anyone’s confidence, Ross implied that his opinion is informed, and not just speculation. “Just picking up a little bit here, a little bit there, and I’ll keep you apprised,” Ross said.

“I’m talking to a lot of these cats that have opportunities to do other things, casually… I think some people’s motors are running and the wheels are turning,” he said.

JR On Bound For Glory

Ross also gave his take on Impact’s Bound For Glory event. Specifically, he discussed the angle involving Johnny Impact and Austin Aries.

“It was a creatively structured event. Got a lot of people talking. I’m guessing that was the goal, because I’ve never known Austin Aries to be unprofessional in anything,” Ross said. “I love what they did because it got people talking about a show that needed positive verbal reinforcement.”

WWE Evolution

JR also discussed the upcoming WWE Evolution show. He strongly put over Nikki Bella and Ronda Rousey’s segment from Raw this past Monday, and gave his thoughts on a potential match order for the event.

“I would pick Charlotte and Becky to close the show, in spectacular fashion, with death-defying athleticisism and physicality, and I would open the show with the tag match, Lita and Trish against Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. That’s a lot of star power and it gets people emotionally invested early,” he said.

Drew McIntyre

Ross offered some insight into Drew McIntyre’s booking, his potential, and his future. “It’s really clear to me now that the brass in WWE fully realize how great McIntyre can be as their top champion.”

JR posited that McIntyre may be headed for a coronation at the upcoming WrestleMania. “Let’s all keep our eye on Drew McIntyre and how he’s booked between now and WrestleMania,” he said.

“If my intuitions are right, and what seems to be the general direction WWE may be traveling right now, McIntyre is destined for greatness in the most supreme way.”

Other topics Ross covered on the show include the booking of Braun Strowman and what he would do differently, Bobby Lashley as a heel, Smackdown 1000, and the controversy surrounding Crown Jewel. The show also contains the second part of JR’s chat with Matt Hardy.

The full episode can be found below.

When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited for clarity.

Do you think The Elite are bound for WWE? 

NJPW Reportedly Interested In Several WWE Stars

WWE isn’t the only professional wrestling company ready to make free agency moves. Come next year several top professional wrestling stars’ contracts are due to expire. Several big New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Ring Of Honor (ROH) names are rumored to be WWE-bound.

However, NJPW also reportedly has some interest in a few WWE names. Per a report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, NJPW has their eyes on three names in particular. Those being Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and current WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. Meltzer said it’s believed all three signed three-year deals with WWE in 2016.

There is currently no news on any of them renewing as of this writing. It’s expected, however, that all three men will stay with WWE. Nakamura is reportedly settled in the United States after moving from Japan when he initially signed. Meltzer did mention there’s some talk of Gallows wanting to return, but nothing has been confirmed. And finally, Anderson is expected to remain stateside as he has a family to care for.

As for NJPW stars possibly coming to WWE, that’s a different story. WWE is rumored to be gearing up to make big moves in 2019. They certainly have the funds, given their recent broadcast deals and the money they’re making from their Saudi Arabia shows.

What do you think about NJPW showing interest in Gallows, Anderson, and Nakamura?

Sean Waltman On Morale In NJPW & Talent Jumping To WWE

X-Pac discussed the NJPW talent morale situation on the latest edition of X-Pac 12360. The former WWF and WCW star salso gave his take on the recent controversial angle in Impact Wrestling involving Austin Aries.

Morale in NJPW

Reports that morale in the New Japan locker room took a hit recently with the addition of Michael Craven as a new head of talent relations caught X-Pac’s attention, and he offered a warning to New Japan.

“Let morale go down in your company and see how quickly that forward momentum comes to a halt. There can be a mass exodus to WWE in a second. WWE will cherry pick every single one of the guys you have.”

Craven, reportedly, does not have a background in the wrestling business, and X-Pac likened what he’s heard of Craven to when J.J. Dillon managed talent for WWE. “It was tough,” he said. X-Pac mentioned that later on, Jim Ross excelled in Dillon’s role. “He knew how to talk to the talent and make them feel good.”

X-Pac again stressed the importance of maintaining a happy locker room, and the consequences of not doing so. “Vince will take every one of their guys,” he said. “And the climate that wrestling is in right now, yeah. Keep talking down to your talent and see what happens.”

Impact

X-Pac also discussed the recent Johnny Impact and Austin Aries angle from Bound For Glory. While reportedly a work, X-Pac has a more philosophical stance on the storyline.

“I have my opinion. I’m not going to share my opinion. You just never know when it comes to Aries. To sit and go okay, this was a work, this wasn’t, how about we just enjoy it?”

The full episode can be found below.

When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited for clarity. 

NJPW ‘Road To’ Power Struggle Hiroshima (10/19) Full Card

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ shows, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

The headline grabbing bouts revolve around the continuation of the Super Jr Tag League. Tiger Mask and Jushin Liger will be taking on Shingo Takagi and BUSHI. ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi will also be taking on El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru.

Jay White and Gedo continue their ongoing war against Kazuchika Okada in the main event tag bout. Okada will be teaming with SHO, YOH and Rocky Romero. White and Gedo will be teaming with Robbie Eagles and Taiji Ishimori.

Here’s the full card for the October 19th show in Hiroshima:

  • Yota Tsuji and Shota Umino vs Yuya Uemura and Ren Narita
  • Toa Henare, Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA vs Soberano Jr, Ayato Yoshida and Volador Jr
  • Chuckie T, Beretta and Hirooki Goto vs Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale
  • Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii vs TAKA Michinoku and Minoru Suzuki
  • Tomoaki Honma and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – Tiger Mask and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger vs Shingo Takagi and BUSHI
  • Super Jr Tag League 2018 Match – ACH and Ryusuke Taguchi vs El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • SHO, YOH, Rocky Romero and Kazuchika Okada vs Robbie Eagles, Taiji Ishimori, Gedo and Jay White

Tama Tonga Warns Finn Balor About The Elite Coming To WWE

In New Japan Pro Wrestling, a new Bullet Club has formed. Jay White, Gedo, and Jado recently joined the Tongans side of the faction. At the same time, members of “the Elite” are stating they will not be putting out any further Bullet Club style T-shirts past the ones they just released.

Tama Tonga seems convinced it was members of the Elite who made comments to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter running down the promotion’s new management. He also seems convinced the Elite are on their way to WWE when their contracts expire at the end of the year.

Tama Tonga Warns Finn Balor About the Elite

It was Tama Tonga’s birthday yesterday. Fellow original Bullet Club members Karl Anderson and Finn Balor each wished him a happy birthday. Tonga then commented there might be some “OG Business” heading their way.

Tonga responded to Hangman Page putting out his last Bullet Club styled shirt as well:

Screenshot 2018 10 17 11.20.19

Is This A Work?

As with some other storylines currently playing out in wrestling, it’s not clear if this is real or not. The Elite and Bullet Club are feuding in storyline but much of what has been said online seems to go beyond what is showcased on NJPW programming.

Tonga alleges it was members of the Elite who spoke anonymously to media in regards to the company.